“Thirsty Ground is a trio of excellent musicians who have a unique style and approach. Their music is wonderful and engaging.”  -Jim Stern, VP of Engineering/Studio Operations, Fantasy Records  

The seed for the Thirsty Ground band was planted during Covid. Brett and Kayla, who met in 2019, gave porch concerts for their neighbors who were locked down and craved live music.  It was satisfying for Brett and Kayla, who were falling in love, to combine their musical tastes and create something new together.  It was equally as satisfying to see the smiles on the faces of their neighbors hanging out on their doorsteps clapping and laughing.   As the world began to open up, Brett’s friend and colleague, Alex joined in.    One day while rehearsing in the living room, it began to rain.   It was the first rain in a long time.  The name for the trio was born: Thirsty Ground.  

“Warmth and comradery seep through every smartly-sung lyric. The trio unveils musical influences from their collective past: rock, folk, country, jazz – And the harmonies are fantastic!” -Albert Salerno, former music critic, BAM magazine   

Before finding common footing in Thirsty Ground, the band members followed different musical paths.   For decades, Brett has been the go-to bass player in variety of genres from Latin to Calypso, and from R&B to Jazz.   Alex grew up in his father’s music store rubbing elbows with top trad. jazz players in the San Francisco area, then transitioned to the East Coast playing smokin’ guitar in rock ’n roll jam bands.  Kayla performed in award-winning vocal harmony groups and is a seasoned musical comedy actress.   
 
When a colleague invited Kayla to sing in a trio for her CD release concert, Kayla good-naturedly asked, “Any single guys in the band?” Her friend replied, “Well, the bass player.”   “Hmmm,” thought Kayla, “that’s worth checking out!”   After the concert, she asked Brett to coffee.  From the start, everything between them felt easy and sweet.   In the meantime, Alex had returned from the East Coast and was playing with Brett in originals projects and pro-level jazz jams.  He had always wanted to be in a band where he could also sing and so was the perfect addition to complete the musical vision.  What all three have in common is an innate and abiding love of feeling music and creativity in their bones.   
 
“They played to a packed house with numerous compliments - a great selection of songs…they even played a little longer because our customers wouldn't let them go.” --Mike Kuimelis, Owner, Mantra Wines, Novato, CA  

The band cherry picks songs from the Laurel Canyon era of the 60’s and 70’s, from lesser-known songwriters and from early Beatles, then re-imagines them with new grooves and rich vocal harmonies.    “These are songs that are on the edge of people’s memory or not yet on their radar,” says Brett.  “We play them the way our hearts hear them and I think we succeed in creating something fresh and compelling.”    

Their original songs reflect the spirit of their Northern California home with its open space and boisterous wild poppies--some are sweet and down-to-earth, some raw and accessible, others alive with a playful sense of humor!  Thirsty Ground's music and fun vibe are like sweet tea with a splash of whiskey—comforting and familiar, with the right kick to satisfy a thirst for something vibrant and real. 

Future gigs include upscale wineries, downhome brewpubs and bustling Country Marts.   Their debut CD, After the Drought, is available on all streaming services. 

’After the Drought’...seems made for lazy summer evenings with friends sitting around the porch, sipping beer, making music.” Albert Salerno, former music critic, BAM magazine